1--What is the title of your latest release?
The Burning of Rosemont Abbey
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she’s about to uncover their secrets.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The setting was pretty much settled from the start. I focused on British literature in college and graduate school, and I have a pretty longstanding fondness for British settings in general, whether I’m reading books or watching movies and shows.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Most definitely! Especially if Mrs. Watson is puttering around town with us, too.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Louisa is plucky, loyal, and—at times—endearingly awkward
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned how to plan the perfect fancy dinner party! The Constance Spry Cookery Book, which was published in 1956, was the perfect resource as I wrote the dinner party scenes. I started by listing out all the recipes that sounded particularly intriguing and then narrowed everything down into the various courses. Most, though not quite all, of the dishes from the menu I designed are referenced in the novel. My next goal is to cook a few of them (especially the mushroom roll!).
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I’m always circling back and editing as I go. I once read a quote by Ernest Hemingway that said you should always read what you’ve already written before writing anything new, and that kind of sums up what I try to do (though sometimes I get hung up on fiddling with the previous chapter instead of forging fresh tracks in the next!)
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Smoked salmon—I could eat it straight out of the package!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
When it comes to my writing, I’m a bit of a nomad. Sometimes I settle in for work at my coffee table or on my front porch. Sometimes I take a stroll up to Starbucks. Recently, I started teaching at the local community college, so I’ve been writing on campus during all those spare slips of time between teaching and class prep. As long as there’s coffee, I’m content.
10--Who is an author you admire?
I’ve been reading/listening to Agatha Christie mysteries for the last two years, and every book I’ve read of hers is transcendentally perfect.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
When I was in 1st grade, my teacher introduced me to the American Girl series, and I couldn’t read them fast enough, especially the ones about Felicity. I would say that series laid the foundation for my love of literature and history.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
In short, I very nearly dissolved into tears when I heard that Bethany House was offering a two-book deal. It was and has been such a dream come true!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I tend to cycle through genres a bit. Right now, I’m on a huge mystery kick (for obvious reasons, haha).
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Ooh, this is a tough one. There are so many that I love! I might have to say The King’s Speech, though. The acting in that was just superb, and I still get choked up at the end, even though I’ve seen it dozens of times.
15--What is your favorite season?
Autumn.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With my family—my husband and children always think up the sweetest ways to celebrate.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
This is hard because I’m extremely nostalgic—I tend to watch those “old faithful” kind of shows and movies that don’t ever disappoint, and because of my research I’ve been pretty entrenched in reading older mysteries, too. So, I’ll recommend something that was new to me: Dial M for Murder with Grace Kelly. It was a perfect movie!
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Sushi—I’m planning to get some with my family to celebrate release day!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Oh, all sorts of things! I play with my children. I go for walks with my husband. I read. I write. I cook up big pots of soup. I watch reruns of my favorite sitcoms.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I have two new books on the horizon. One is a Rahab retelling set during the American Revolution, which will be releasing in February of 2025. The second is my next 1950s murder mystery, which will be releasing in Spring of 2026. I can’t wait to share them with my readers!
A Whodunnit Historical Romantic Mystery Set in 1950's England
1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.
Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.
Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village.
Christian Historical [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: October 15, 2024, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780764242472 / eISBN: 9781493446599]
Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
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